Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Vegetables
01 -
8 ounces penne pasta
02 -
2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
→ Sauce and Protein
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
04 -
1 small onion, diced
05 -
1 teaspoon salt
06 -
1 teaspoon pepper
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 -
2 cups whole milk
10 -
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
11 -
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into small cubes
# Instructions:
01 -
Get a large pot of water boiling with a good pinch of salt. Toss in your penne and cook it until it's al dente - check the package for timing. About 5 minutes before the pasta is done, add your broccoli florets right into the same pot. They'll cook perfectly alongside the pasta.
02 -
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain everything in a colander. Give it a quick shake to get rid of excess water and set it aside while you make the sauce.
03 -
In the same pot you used for the pasta (no need to wash it), heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens up and becomes translucent.
04 -
Toss in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for just about a minute - you'll smell that amazing garlic aroma when it's ready.
05 -
Sprinkle the flour over your onion and garlic mixture. Keep stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates the base that will thicken your sauce.
06 -
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth, then let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
07 -
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and your sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
08 -
Add your cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the pot with the sauce. Gently stir everything together until it's all well coated in that delicious creamy sauce. Let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
09 -
Transfer your chicken and broccoli pasta to a serving bowl. If you want, sprinkle some extra parmesan on top. Serve it up while it's hot and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta makes a perfect weeknight dinner
02 -
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on meal prep
03 -
The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately for best results